Putin Signs New Hooligan Laws Ahead of 2018 World Cup

French police use tear gas against English hooligans in downtown Marseille, France.

Darko Bandic / AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed tough new laws to punish football hooligans ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

The fines for Russian football fans who attend matches despite an official ban has doubled from a minimum of 20,000 rubles ($357) to 40,000 rubles ($714).

Fans can also be jailed for up to 15 days if they don't pay up, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported.

New legislation also punishes spectators for endangering their own safety or the safety of others at any sporting fixture. Fans will be forced to take on a 20,000 ruble fine and a 7-year stadium ban, while foreign supporters pay the fine and face deportation.

Foreign fans blacklisted by police as likely law-breakers will also be banned from entering Russia.

The 2018 World Cup will kick off in Russia on June 14, 2018. Thirty-two teams are set to play 64 matches across the European half of the country, with the final taking place on July 15 in Moscow's Luzhniki
Stadium.